Countryside Montessori Academy embraces all of the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori in its approach to learning. The "absorbent mind" will never repeat its miraculous ability to absorb the native tongue, to perfect movement or internalize order. Never will these sensitivities be more alive than in the preschool child. The Montessori prepared environment allows children to act freely on their own initiative, meeting needs through individual spontaneous activity. The children learn to work quietly and intently on their own "work." They are building concentration and self-discipline. The Montessori classroom is a community. In the Montessori environment children work individually, in very small groups, or sit quietly observing. The children work freely and when they complete their work, they return it to its place on the shelf. ...read more